This year’s Founders Day honored the contributions made by Elon grandparent Dalton L. McMichael Sr.
Founders Day is an annual event every March that celebrates Elon's charter by the North Carolina legislature. It was established Sept. 14, 1939, 50 years after Elon was first opened, and honors those who have helped shaped the university.
McMichael, a textile manufacturer who graduated from UNC Chapel Hill, made a $3 million donation, the largest single gift in school history, which led to the creation of the McMichael science building and the advancement of the science program at the university.
Jan Fuller, university chaplain of religious and spiritual life, gave the welcoming speech at Thursday’s College Chapel.
“We wanted to honor the founder who fit into our theme of making a difference,” Fuller said. “We wanted someone special this year.”
McMichael’s daughter, Gail McMichael Lane, honored her father’s memory and donation to the school by speaking at College Chapel and College Coffee this week.
“He was proud to see his contribution to the school,” Lane said. “It was designed to be flexible and is a great facility.”
McMichael was a strong advocate for education and wanted to contribute to Elon after his three grandsons, Bill Drew (Class of 1996), Andrew Miracle (1995-1997), and Paul Brigman (Class of 1999), had a great experience attending school here.
“Students love the building,” Lane said.
The McMichael science building was dedicated to him in 1999, and he had a chance to see his contribution to the university campus before his death in 2001.
“I was sold on what my gifts would mean to this college,” McMichael said in 1999. “What I have given to Elon has had a real impact -- that makes it more meaningful to me.”